Little Rays of Sunshine

I was going to stick to the principle of ‘A Rant A Day’, and to be fair there is more than enough out there to do one an hour till Christmas. And that’s another thing ……

But no. A little shining soul I know suggested I do the opposite. Take a moment to spot the little lights in the darkness, and see the plus rather than the minus. So here goes.

The first lights are the easiest to spot, and the brightest. I have a son who, each day reminds me that I must have done something right, because he is. Very right. Both in his spirit, and those he chooses to be close to. And one of the best dogs ever!

I also, as mentioned earlier, know a little shining soul. Well, little person – ish – big shining soul. And with her come three more souls, at different stages but all shining, even the one from the north.

And from links to others – varied, various and endlessly intriguing – who each have added, remotely or directly, to the pushing back of the gloom. In small ways, with slithers of lives lived, places visited, thoughts and feelings and emotions. With approaches and attitudes, and support, and sharing.

And family members who surprise, and parents who have now gone, but who leave echoes that bounce back at unexpected moments and bring a smile, or a tear for times past. And the replication of faces across the generations in old photographs.

And the comfort of a meal with friends who are like family, and the comfort of soured milk and rollmops, and the memories of childhood they stir.

And the sun, over water, with a fresh wind and clean air. And an ache in the knee from the walk, because it got you to this view.

And the feel of a newly shaved face, and the feel of a face after not bothering to shave over the weekend.

And giving advice, and being thanked. And listening and not saying anything. And being there when someone needs you for nothing but a hug, and for being there.

And a book you can disappear into, and emerge a little enriched. And the cold side of the pillow.

And there are more, many more small points of light. And when they shine together it pushes the darkness way back. And I need to remember they are there more often, because the dark is always looking to move forward.

And the light I have around me is too precious to let it be nullified by all the negatives. So shine on all you little lights. You shine on the world and make it all right.